Session 06-07, a Regular Meeting of the Homer Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission was called to order on June 15, 2006 at 6:35 p.m. by Chair Poore at the Homer City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska.

 

PRESENT:       COMMISSIONERS GANN, HOWARD, POORE, STEWART                               

 

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE:        BAECHLER

 

ABSENT:        COMMISSIONERS HAMIK (excused), TOLVA (unexcused)

 

STAFF:            PLANNING TECHNICIAN ENGEBRETSEN

                        DEPUTY CITY CLERK JOHNSON 

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

 

Item D – Commissioner Vacancies was added to the agenda under COMMISSION BUSINESS.  There has been one commissioner resignation and there are two upcoming vacancies in October.

 

The amended agenda was approved by consensus of the Commission.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

 

A.                 Unapproved minutes of May 18, 2006

 

The meeting minutes of May 18, 2006 were amended and approved by consensus of the Commission.

                                                                                                           

PUBLIC COMMENTS UPON MATTERS ALREADY ON THE AGENDA

 

STAFF REPORT      

A.                 June Staff Report – Planning Technician Engebretsen    

Planning Technician Engebretsen provided a Park Walkthrough List.  Commissioner Howard said she appreciates the staff recommendations added to the staff report.

                                     

VISITORS

 

A.                 Kachemak Bay Equestrian Association

 

Sherry Baechler, Secretary, and Renee Eidem, President of Kachemak Bay Equestrian Association (KBEA) appeared before the Commission.  KBEA was started in 1998 with the dream of putting an arena in Homer.  The plan was to become part of the Jack Gist Recreational Park.  Over the years there were delays to the project and the arena did not materialize.  The group is once again meeting regularly to make the dream a reality.  KBEA is trying to acquire a 3.29 acre tract of land close to Jack Gist Park.  A letter of support from the Commission was requested to help with grants.

 

The group discussed the trails used to go up and down the hillsides.  For historical purposes, the Commission requested KBEA provide the names of trails and which years they were used by horse riders. 

 

The Commission agreed it was a good time to show their support for the equestrian group.  Planning Technician Engebretsen is to draft a letter of support.

 

PENDING BUSINESS                                                                                                     

 

            A.        Bylaw Amendment – Change Agenda Deadline to the Wednesday

                        Of the Week Preceding the Meeting Date at 5:00 p.m.

 

GANN/STEWART - MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM A.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

The Commission favors changing the agenda deadline to facilitate packet availability before the weekend.

 

GANN/STEWART - Moved to amend the bylaws to change the agenda deadline to Wednesday preceding the meeting.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  GANN, HOWARD, POORE, STEWART

 

Motion carried.

                         

B.                 Bike Racks

 

STEWART/HOWARD - MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM B - BIKE RACKS.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

The Commission discussed various locations that bike racks could be placed and the possibility that private individuals could purchase their own and each city facility could budget for their own.  Each commissioner is to be assigned a sector of town to view bike racks and report back to the commission.

                                               

C.                 Trails Committee Report

 

GANN/HOWARD - MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM C – TRAILS COMMITTEE REPORT.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Chair Poore noted there has not been an agenda put forth for the Trails Committee, meaning there should not be a meeting or a report.  If there is a meeting an agenda is needed and it should be advertised to comply with the Open Meetings Act. 

 

Commissioner Stewart said even though the Trails Committee is not active at the time, there is a need to retain the committee.  The CoHOST group has done a lot for the trails both in the city, across the bay and East End Road.  The Trails Committee was directed to take on the wording in the HNMTTP (Homer Non Motorized Transportation and Trails Plan) to change City Code policy.  This relates to historical trails and the wording in subdivision codes for sidewalks and streets to make it more pedestrian friendly.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen made a suggestion to formally name and recognize the members of the Trails Committee and set a formal meeting schedule.  The Parks and Recreation Commission could have a worksession without a quorum and that may be a simpler means rather than a Trails Committee that may or may not be able to meet.  The Trails Committee is comprised of Carol Hamik and Mimi Tolva.  Tasks have been given and have not yet been accomplished.  The work is significant and the City, the community and the Parks and Recreation Commission is waiting on it.  Several months have elapsed since the last Trails Committee meeting. 

 

The Commission discussed a worksession to allow work on the code amendments.  It is not an easy task as it delves in unfamiliar areas.  It is important the Commission be proactive in needs and requests.  Commissioner Howard said to save time the regular agenda can include items on the worksession so action can be taken the same night.  She said momentum is important.  The Commission recognized both Commissioners Hamik and Tolva have taken steps and done some work, although time is not an easy task.

 

The first task for the worksession will be to look at the current Comprehensive Plan before the new plan is prepared. Giving some thought to parks and recreation issues may give the Commission direction.  The worksession was scheduled for June 27, 2006 at 6:30 p.m.

 

Chair Poore called for a recess at 7:50 p.m. and resumed the meeting at 7:54 p.m.

 

The Commission discussed the CoHOST meetings and the need for a Parks and Recreation Commission member to attend.  It will allow the commission to stay in tune, offer help and keep everyone coordinated.  It was decided the commission would informally attend the CoHOST meetings.

 

D.                 Worklist

 

STEWART/GANN – MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM D - WORKLIST.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

The Commission discussed the Work List.   

 

Mariner Park is to be added on the July agenda under COMMISSION BUSINESS and WKFL Park will be added to the September agenda.                                                                              

           

COMMISSION BUSINESS

 

A.                 Volkssport – International Walking Group        

 

HOWARD/STEWART – MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM A – VOLKSSPORT.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Chair Poore explained Volkssport is an international group that hails from Germany; the American portion is called the American Volkssport Association.  People meet and walk scenic trails for health, fitness and fun.  There are 3,000 walking events per year in all 50 states with occasional bikes, skis and swims.  Their website may be accessed at www.ava.org.  Anchorage has a one day 5K walk planned for July 15.  There are additional events planned for August, September and October.  One day events are 5K and seasonal events are designed at 10K walks.  The events are organized with registration, a passbook and a stamp upon completion.  Business hosting places are desired and Chair Poore suggested Homer host an event.  It was suggested the walk begin at City Hall to Islands and Ocean Visitors Center, to Crittenden Street, and Karen Hornaday Park.  There would be public restrooms along the way.  The Commission will ask the Chamber of Commerce if they would be interested in working with the organization.

 

B.                 2007 Budget   

 

GANN/STEWART – MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM B – 2007 BUDGET.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

The Commission decided the following items should be considered for the 2007 budget: 

 

·        Fireworks

·        Bike Racks

·        Karen Hornaday Park – T-Ball Field and Parking Lot

·        Downtown Restrooms

·        WKFL Park

·        Jack Gist Park

·        Fairview/Reber Trail Connection.

·        Spit Trail   

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen will prepare a resolution for the Commission’s July agenda.

 

C.                 Schedule Beach Walk Thru      

 

GANN/STEWART - MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM C – SCHEDULE BEACH WALK THRU.

 

There was no discussion.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen suggested visiting the Spit parks due to the increased summer activity and reports of rowdy behavior on the beaches.  The Commission discussed the need to discourage inappropriate behavior on Homer’s beaches. 

 

HOWARD/GANN – MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY MANAGER AN APPROPRIATE PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT REITERATING THE RULES OF THE ROAD FOR BEACH USE IN AS POSITIVE OF A FASHION AS POSSIBLE.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

The beach walk thru was scheduled for July 8, 2006 at 9:00 a.m.  Members are to meet at Spit Sisters located on the Spit.  Mariner Park, the Fishing Lagoon and pocket parks on the Spit will be explored.  In the meantime each commissioner is to walk another beach and bring their comments.   

 

GANN/HOWARD – MOVED TO SCHEDULE THE BEACH WALK THRU INCLUDING MARINER PARK, THE FISHING LAGOON AND EAST SIDE POCKET PARKS FOR JULY 8, 2006, MEETING AT 9:00 A.M. AT SPIT SISTERS COFFEE SHOP ON THE SPIT.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

D.        Commissioner Vacancies

 

STEWART/HOWARD – MOVED TO DISCUSS ITEM D – COMMISSIONER VACANCIES.

 

VOTE:  YES.  NON OBJECTION.  UNANIMOUS CONSENT.

 

Motion carried.

 

There is one seat currently available due to Cherish Bee McCallum’s resignation and two upcoming terms the end of October.  The Commission discussed placing a flyer at the Chamber of Commerce or Islands and Ocean Visitors Center.  Providing a small packet listing the city code that references the Commission’s charge, the Work List and other information on what the Commission does and why is needed. 

                                                                         

INFORMATIONAL MATERIALS

 

            A.        City Council Meeting Minutes of May 22, 2006 (unapproved)                            

            B.         City Council Meetings – Commissioner Attendance Schedule                           

            C.        Annual Calendar                                                                                              

            D.        Email Correspondence from Deena Benson, Re: Jeffrey Park                           

           

COMMENTS OF AUDIENCE

 

Planning Technician Engebretsen said she appreciates Commissioner McCallum’s work over the years and that she was a good Commissioner.  She is now involved in Pier One Theatre. 

 

COMMENTS OF COMMISSIONERS

 

Commissioner Stewart reiterated Planning Technician Engebretsen’s thoughts on Commissioner McCallum.  She was a busy person who covered a lot of ground.  He could see that it pulled at her at times.  It was a good productive meeting with good people.

 

Commissioner Gann echoed the comments on Cherish McCallum, adding that she will be missed.  The Commission needs to find someone to replace her that will be a benefit to the group.

 

Commissioner Howard commented it was a good meeting.

 

Chair Poore welcomed Commissioner Howard, stating she appreciates her expertise.  She forwarded a thank you to Cherish McCallum, stating she had a talent for synthecizing and wording motions. 

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business to come before the Commission, the meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.  The next regular meeting is scheduled for July 20, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall Cowles Council Chambers located at 491 E. Pioneer Avenue, Homer, Alaska. 

 

 

 

 

_________________________________

JO JOHNSON, DEPUTY CITY CLERK

 

Approved: ________________________